Talmud on Passover: Tractate Pesahim 116b

Clip Text #4 – Pesaḥim 116b

Source: The Koren Talmud Bavli (Hebrew-English), translated [bold text] and with commentary [plain text] by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz. 2013, Koren Publishers Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions for Text #4

  1. The Talmud describes the reasons for including the Paschal Lamb, Matza and Bitter herbs in the seder. They are reminders of different aspects of slavery and our flight to freedom. How do these foods help immerse you in the feeling of escaping Egypt? How do these foods remind you of your family’s journey?
  2. The commentary says, “The LORD did this for me...not: This which the LORD did for my forefathers.” How is it different to think of things as happening to someone else, a long time ago, rather than to yourself, now?
  3. In what ways have you made a personal connection to the Exodus? How has that changed the ways you understand or empathize with other people? How does the Exodus inform the kinds of actions and decisions you take?

haggadah Section: Commentary / Readings
Source: The Exodus: An Extraordinary Passage